The United States military has claimed that it shot down four Iranian “one-way attack drones” that were reportedly heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that the aircraft posed a threat to commercial shipping and maritime security in the strategically vital waterway.
According to a statement issued by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces carried out defensive operations to neutralize the drones before launching follow-up strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance radar stations on Goruk and Qeshm islands. Washington said the operation was intended to prevent further attacks and protect regional navigation routes.
Iran has not publicly commented on the reported strikes or the destruction of its radar facilities.
The latest escalation comes only days after a series of air and missile exchanges between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns about the future of a fragile ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
Local officials reported that an Iranian drone attack on Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday left one person dead and more than 60 others injured. However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) denied responsibility for the incident, claiming that the casualties were caused by a malfunctioning U.S. missile interceptor system rather than an Iranian strike.
CENTCOM rejected the Iranian explanation, describing it as false and insisting that Tehran deliberately targeted the airport.
Earlier, the IRGC stated that attacks on U.S. military installations in the Gulf region were carried out in retaliation for American strikes on an Iranian oil tanker and targets on Qeshm Island.
The renewed hostilities come as ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran remain stalled, with no final agreement yet reached to formally end the conflict.
The broader confrontation began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched extensive airstrikes across Iran, triggering a wider regional conflict. Iran subsequently responded with attacks against Israel and U.S.-allied states in the Gulf, while also effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies are transported.
The disruption to maritime traffic caused global oil prices to surge sharply.
Following a ceasefire agreement reached in early April, the United States imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that the restrictions will remain in place until both sides reach, verify, and formally sign a comprehensive peace agreement.
